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Cinnamon Buns From Heaven

Source of Recipe


From "The Best American Recipes 2000"






List of Ingredients



• -- Dough --
  
• 1 cup warm water (105 to 115° F)
  
• 2 envelopes active dry yeast
  
• 1 tsp plus 2/3 cup sugar
  
• 1 cup milk, heated to lukewarm
  
• 2/3 cup (1-1/3 sticks) butter, softened
  
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  
• 2 tsp salt
  
• 7 to 8 cups all-purpose flour, or more as needed
  
• .
  
• -- Filling --
  
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted
  
• 1-3/4 cups sugar
  
• 3 Tbsp ground cinnamon
  
• 1-1/2 cups chopped walnuts (optional)
  
• 1-1/2 cups raisins (optional)
  
• .
  
• -- Creamy Glaze --
  
• 2/3 cup (1-1/3 sticks) butter, melted
  
• 4 cups confectioners' sugar
  
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup hot water
  






Instructions



1. For the dough:
   Combine the warm water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar in a cup and stir; set aside. In a large bowl, combine the milk, remaining 2/3 cup sugar, butter, eggs and salt. Stir well and add the yeast mixture. Add 3-1/2 cups flour and beat until smooth. Stir in enough of the remaining flour until the dough is slightly stiff -- it will be sticky.
   
   
2. Turn out the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead for 5 to 10 minutes, adding just enough flour to keep the dough from sticking. Place in a well-buttered glass or plastic bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place, free from drafts, until doubled in volume, 1 to 1-1/2 hours. Punch down the dough and let it rest for 5 minutes. Roll out on a lightly floured surface into a 15- x 20-inch rectangle.
   
   
3. For the filling:
   Spread 1/2 cup of the melted butter on the dough. In a small bowl, combine 1-1/2 cups of the sugar and the cinnamon. Sprinkle over the dough, then sprinkle with the walnuts and raisins, if desired. Roll up like a jellyroll and pinch the edges to seal. Cut the roll into 12 or 18 slices. If making 12 buns, use the remaining 1/2 cup melted butter to coat the bottoms of a 13- x 9-inch baking pan and an 8-inch square baking pan; if making 18 buns, use two 13- x 9-inch pans. Sprinkle the pans with the remaining 1/4 cup sugar. Place the cinnamon bun slices close together in the pans. Cover and let rise in a warm place until the dough is doubled in volume, about 45 minutes.
   
   
4. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the buns are nicely browned. Let cool slightly before glazing.
   
   
5. For the glaze:
   In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, confectioners' sugar and vanilla. Add the hot water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you have a spreadable glaze. Spread the glaze over the buns and serve.
   
   Serves 12 to 18